The Sonic on the outskirts of the Phillipsburg Mall closed last April. The coffee shop proposed in November to replace it will use the existing building and include a drive-through, Kern said. The company's professionals presented plans to the township's land use board Monday night, he said.

Starbucks media relations representatives have repeatedly said they have no information to share about a new store opening in response to numerous requests. Based upon the presentation to township officials, the new location is expected to open this summer, Kern said.

The store will have about 25 employees, and about half of them will be full time, he said.